THE Britpop album. Listening to Parklife almost two decades after its original release is like reading a history book about the human behaviour of the 90s (in Britain to be specific although it contains a general view over modern society). It kicks off with an 80s fueled modern pop classic called 'Girls & Boys' that settles the ambience: 'Love in the 90s/Is paranoid/On sunny beaches/Take your chances'. After these energetic 4:50 minutes you'll know what to expect from the rest of the record. They sing about family gatherings during a holiday, the White Cliffs of Dover and the unnecessary frenzy over the end of the 20th century. In this panoply of social critique there's space for some love and relationship matters: 'To the End' is an exquisite and beautiful track that doesn't lack the 'britpop' label. It closes with one of the best songs Blur have ever made: 'This Is a Low' almost leaves the listener breathless after this trip to the 90s. After that there's the silly and enjoyable 'Lot 105' that makes you catch your breath again and get on with your life.

This album seems to flirt with elements of every style of British rock that predated it from Punk to New Wave to Psychedelic pastiche and makes it work. It's a catchy, fun and interesting listen. I love the dry, tea-steeped social commentary that runs through this album.